Tasmanian Devil genomes sequenced as a step towards their conservation

Using genome sequencing and other strategies, researchers from Pennsylvania State University and elsewhere are finding genetic clues that they say may be useful for selecting Tasmanian devils for breeding programs aimed at saving the animals from extinction.

The team used Roche 454 technology to do de novo sequencing of two Tasmanian devil genomes, Penn State biochemistry and molecular biology researcher Stephan Schuster said during Roche Applied Science workshop at the Plant and Animal Genomes conference this week.

By looking at SNP data in the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes of Tasmanian devils, he explained, the team is tracking down informative markers that they believe may be useful for gauging genetic diversity and managing Tasmanian devil populations through more tailored breeding programs.